Ukulele Manufacturers

The ukulele manufacturers that first began producing ukuleles for the
public in Hawaii were Kumulae, Nunes and Kamaka. Of these three, Kamaka remains as the king.
However, even their survival was threatened when the music became so
popular that other mainland companies tried to take over the market.

Now, the ukulele industry is experiencing a rebirth, and more and
more companies and individuals are coming on the scene to continue the
Hawaiian tradition on the islands themselves.

Here's Kamaka Ukulele Factory

Mainland Competition

It's hard to imagine a ukulele company that isn't located in the islands, but they do exist. Around 1915, mainland companies tried to capitalize on the fanatical love of the ukulele
at the time by manufacturing their own version and stamping them with
the words: made in Hawaii. This was done deliberately to fool people
into buying ukuleles made outside Hawaii.

In a way, this very act helped to protect the legacy of the
ukulele by forcing the Hawaiians to act to preserve their heritage. They
trademarked the phrase, made in Hawaii, U.S.A, and petitioned to make
the sale of merchandise with this stamp a misdemeanor if they were, in
fact, manufactured outside the islands of Hawaii. This successfully resolved the issue of fake Hawaiian ukuleles infringing on the Hawaiian markets.

Eventually, the demand for ukulele music fell significantly at
the end of the 1960's. With that demise, the number of manufacturers
decreased, leaving Kamaka struggling but still alive. It wasn't until
the sound of the ukulele was rediscovered and brought back through the
works of people like Jumpin' Jim Beloff and his Flea Market music, that
the industry went into a rebirth.

Many Ukulele Manufacturers Today

Now, the islands have many notable ukulele manufacturers. Kamaka remains as the highest-quality and oldest manufacturer of fine ukuleles. Along with them, you can also find KoAloha,
who is also in a similar quality and price range. Other manufacturers
on the islands include Maui Music, Ko'olau, Pono, Island and G String Ukuleles, and more.

Here's Koaloha Ukulele Factory

Every now and then you even see individuals who are taking up the
manufacture of ukuleles to continue this fine tradition with newer
types: the fluke ukulele, for one.